Cleft Palate Surgery Complications

Unexpected outcomes are associated with any surgical intervention even when a surgery is performed successfully. A complication is considered as an unexpected event that occurs in the course of a surgical act different from the usual manifestations of this and that is a consequence of the effects caused by it. Common complications observed in association with cleft palate surgery are airway obstruction, palatal fistulas, flap necrosis, wound infection, dehiscence and bleeding, velopharyngeal insufficiency, and others. This chapter presents the most common complications associated with the cleft palate surgery and their diagnostic and interdisciplinary management. Early diagnostic and intervention is the key point for the successful handling of these problems.